Modifications

[granneb]

Hi

'Amie' is about to return to the road after a couple of years in the shed, which we're looking forward too, but my question is, in general terms what modifications/updating is allowed in order that it's Historic status is maintained.
As she stands, apart from a lead free head and radial tyres, she is as Cowley intended.
We would like to replace the gearbox with a five speed version and maybe discs on the front, but we don't want to risk it's present classification.

Many thanks

Graham

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[Alex'n'Ane]

Neither fitting a 5speed or discs would change its historic status. If you look at what some people have done on here and still kept the status, you'd be amazed.

[mbo145]

Hi Graham,
Up-grading with 5 gears and better brakes is fine, it will certainly still be classed as an historic vechicle. You will certainly need to inform your insurer of modifications, but they should ask for those when you re-new you policy as standard. Really DVLA does like to know changes to a vehicle which should be changed on the v5 for example if an engine size has been changed, but they are often not informed.

[granneb]

Thanks a million (should be a 1000) for your replies.

We don't want to change the old girl too much, she's been with us for about 30 years, but would like to upgrade her a little, definitely no v8 under the hood.

Graham

[Arnie]

I'm sure some would wish to have you flogged for the radial tyres and unleaded head with its non standard hardened inserts but not me. Its your car to do with as you wish so do what you want to it to make it suit you and if easier cruising and more efficient brakes (wait for it....) are your choice, do it.

[kennatt]

go here http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov. ... dg_4022486 and click on app link

[granneb]

I'm sure some would wish to have you flogged for the radial tyres and unleaded head with its non standard hardened inserts but not me. Its your car to do with as you wish so do what you want to it to make it suit you and if easier cruising and more efficient brakes (wait for it....) are your choice, do it.

Hi Arnie

I'm sure you're quite correct, but I'm not losing much sleep on what others might think, I just want to ensure that the historic status remains ok, and from the msg I'm getting it seems what I proposed to do is too revolutionary.

Regards

Graham

[brucek]

To be honest Graham, and as others have said, uprated brakes to discs, maybe some nice adjustable front seats, a 5 speed box, possibly uprated front and rear shocks and, say, a 1275 engine is by no means 'too revolutionary' lots of people have done it already and that is what i'm going to do with my car.

Some would argue that this sort of improvement is what the Minor should have had after the 1964 upgrade so, if you are intending to do this to your car, it will not in any way affect its DVLA classification, appeal or status. indeed, unless you knew, the car would probably look exactly as it does now with all the improvements hidden from general view.

There are lots of threads on the original v modified debate and you can amuse yourself reading all the various views but, at the end of the day - it's your car. If it is going to increase your pleasure of ownership then go right ahead. I love to see the standard 'as they left the showroom' cars - it is a tribute to those who enjoy originality, but I also enjoy seeing how people have improved their cars. Chances are, if you use the car regularly, you'll want to improve its capability and safety. If you enjoy going to shows and rallies at weekends and have a second more modern car, you'll probably enjoy keeping your car original.

It is sensible to let the DVLA know what changes have been made to the car (engine numbers and size, brake upgrades etc.) as todays insurnace quotes are linked to the DVLA database and anomalies between what's in the car and what's on the V5 will show up quite quickly. In the worst case scenario, not telling the DVLA and/or your insurers that you have put a bigger engine in the car can invalidate your insurancein the event of a claim. However, classic status in the eyes of the DVLA, is simply an age issue not directly related to what you have done to the car.

To modify the Duke of Wellington's famous quote '(publish) modernise and be damned' or as I like to think - 'opinions are like a%^e h(*^es - everyone's got one!'